Sunday, March 29, 2009

An Inspirational Du'a - by Imam al-Ghazali

O Allah , of Grace I ask You its perfection ;

and of protection its duration ;

and of mercy its completion ;

and of health its attainment.

Of livelihood , I ask its comfort ;

and of life its happiness ;

and of virtue its completion ;

and of blessings its totality ;

and of graciousness its sweetness ;

and of benevolence the nearest.

O Allah, terminate with happiness our final end

and fulfil for us our hopes beyond expectations .

Join with well-being and good health

our early mornings and dusky evenings ,

and set Your mercy as our final end and outcome.

Pour the abundance of Your Forgiveness

upon our sins , and favour us with the

removal of our faults.

Give us piety as a provision and place

our efforts in the strengthening

of Your Religion.

In You is our trust and upon You our dependence.

O Allah , strengthen us on the road of sincerity

and righteousness and protect us

in this world from that which will be cause

for regret on the Final Day.

Lighten for us the burden of our sins

and bestow upon us the blessings of those

who live a life of Righteousness ,

and be sufficient for us and avert

from us the evils of those who do evil.

Free us and free our fathers and our mothers

and our teachers from the fire of hell by

the grace of Your Mercy.

O most Mighty , most Merciful , most Generous;

the Veiler (of faults) , the Gentle One , the Potent.

O Allah...O Allah...O Allah...O Allah...

O Merciful... O Merciful...O Merciful...

O most Merciful of the Merciful...

the First of the First and the Last of the Last.

The Possessor of unshakable Power.

The most Compassionate to the poor

and the destitute.

O most Merciful of the Merciful.

"There is no God except You.

Glory be to You. Indeed I am amongst

those who have done wrong" (surah Anbiyaa :87)

May the blessings of Allah be upon Muhammmad ,

his family and all of his companions.

And praise belongs to Allah alone , Lord of the worlds.

by Imam al-Ghazali - translated by shaykh Seraj Hendricks

If You Wish To...

Be wise, fear Allah and obey His commands.

Be obedient, fulfill your duties to Allah and His creation.

Be the best amongst people, help other people

Be fair with people, like for others what you like for yourself.

Have your prayers come true, remember Allah and He shall remember you.

Be close to Allah, refrain from eating, talking, acting, and doing the Haraam.

Allah to have mercy on you, then be kind and merciful to His creation.

Rid yourself of Gunaah, recite “Astaghfirullah” habitually.

Rid yourself of the Hell Fire, offer salaat 5 times everyday, and be steadfast with your Fasting.

“Worship Allah as if you see Him.
If you cannot achieve this state of devotion then consider that He is watching you.”

MAKRUH TAHRIMI TIMES TO PERFORM A SALAT

Times at which it is makruh tahrimi [1] to perform a salat (daily prayer) are three. They are called “Karahat time”. A salat is not sahih (valid) if it is fard and is started at one of these times. If it is supererogatory, it will be sahih but makruh tahrimi. Supererogatory prayers begun at these times must be stopped and performed later (qada). These three times are the period of sunrise, that of sunset and the period when the sun is at zawal, i. e. at midday. In this sense, the period of sunrise begins when the upper edge of the sun is seen on the horizon and ends when it shines too brightly to be looked at, i. e. , at the time of ishraq; the period of sunset in a dustfree, smogless, clear sky begins when the sun or the places where its light emanates become yellow enough to be looked at, and ends as it sinks (at the horizon). This time is termed isfirar-i-shams. In calculations, the time of ishraq has been taken forward by the addition of Tamkin as a precaution, but the time of isfirar has not been changed.”To perform salat at midday” means that the first or the last rak’a of it is performed at midday. This fact is written in Ibn ’Abidin, and in the annotation of Maraqil-falah, by Tahtawi.

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GLOSSARY
[1] makruh-tahrima: prohibited with much stress.

MAKRUHS OF NAMAZ (PART 3)

21- It is tahrimi makruh [1] to perform namaz (daily prayer) by covering your mouth and nose. Magians worship in that manner.
22-It is makruh [2] to throw phlegm from the throat without a strong necessity.
23- Amal-i qalil, that is, moving one hand once or twice, is makruh.
24- It is makruh to omit one of the sunnats [3] of namaz.
25- It is makruh to perform namaz against things that distract your heart and prevent your khushu’ such as ornamented things, games, musical instruments, or any food that you desire.
26- In the sajdas (prostration) or in the ruku’ (bowing), it is makruh to put your head down or to raise your head before the imam does so.
27- It is makruh to perform it against a grave.
28- It is tanzihi makruh not to sit in accordance with the sunnat in the tashahhuds (sitting postures). But it is not makruh if you have an excuse.
29- It is makruh not to stand up for the final sunnat immediately after the fard [Terghib-us-salat].

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GLOSSARY
[1] Tahrimi mekruh: of those things that are Shar’an mekruh, the ones that are loathsome and harmful. Those that are not loathsome and harmful, but should not be done are called tanzihi makruh.
[2] makruh: (act, thing) improper, disliked and abstained by the Prophet (‘alaihi ‘s-salam); makruh tahrima: prohibited with much stress.
[1] Tahrimi mekruh: of those things that are Shar’an mekruh, the ones that are loathsome and harmful. Those that are not loathsome and harmful, but should not be done are called tanzihi makruh.
[2] makruh: (act, thing) improper, disliked and abstained by the Prophet (‘alaihi ‘s-salam); makruh tahrima: prohibited with much stress.
[3] Sunnat: 1- (when used alone) The Shari’at; 2- (when used together with the name Book) The hadith of the Prophet. 3- (when used together with the word Fard) Any action, word or thought liked and commanded by the Prophet.

MAKRUHS OF NAMAZ (PART 2)

11- In the sajda (prostration) it is makruh [1] for men to lay their forearms on the floor. But women must lay their forearms on the floor.
12- It is makruh to perform namaz (daily prayer) toward a person’s face.
13-It is makruh to acknowledge someone’s greeting with your hand or head.
14- It is tanzihi makruh [2] to close your eyes during namaz. It is not makruh if you do it lest your mind will be distracted.
15- It is makruh to perform namaz in the back line while there is room in the front line or to perform it alone in the back line because there is no room in the front line.
16- It is tahrimi makruh to perform namaz with clothes that have a picture or pictures of living things on them, such as humans or animals.
17- If the picture of a living thing is drawn on the wall or on pieces of cloth or paper hanging or put on a wall just above the head, in front, or just to the right or left of a person who is performing namaz, it is makruh.
18- It is tanzihi makruh to count ayats, or tasbihs with the hand during namaz.
19- It is not makruh to perform namaz against the backs of sitting or standing people, even if they are talking. It is makruh to perform it against a person’s face or against the backs of people who are talking loudly.
20- It is tahrimi makruh to perform namaz with the top of your head bare by winding a turban round your head.

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GLOSSARY
[1] makruh: (act, thing) improper, disliked and abstained by the Prophet (‘alaihi ‘s-salam); makruh tahrima: prohibited with much stress.
[2] Tahrimi mekruh: of those things that are Shar’an mekruh, the ones that are loathsome and harmful. Those that are not loathsome and harmful, but should not be done are called tanzihi makruh.

MAKRUHS OF NAMAZ (PART 1)

Some makruhs of namaz (daily prayer):

1- When prostrating for the sajda (prostration), it is makruh to pull up your skirts or your trouser cuffs.
2- It is makruh to begin namaz with your skirts or sleeves rolled up.
3-Useless movements, such as playing with your clothes, are makruh.
4- It is makruh to perform namaz by wearing clothes that you work in or that you could not wear if you were to see your superiors.
5- It is makruh to have something in your mouth that will prevent you from reciting the Qur’an al-karim correctly.
6- To perform namaz bare-headed.
7- It is makruh to begin namaz when you need to urinate, defecate, or when you need to break wind.
8- During namaz, it is makruh to sweep stones or soil away from the place of sajda.
9- It is makruh to turn your head (face) around and tanzihi makruh to look around by turning your eyes.
10- In the tashahhuds (sitting and reciting certain prayers during namaz), to sit like a dog, that is, to sit on your buttocks with erected thighs while bringing your knees in touch with your chest and putting your hands on the floor, is makruh.

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Angry Woman

It was the month of Ramadan, when all good Muslims were trying very
hard to keep the fast. This meant that they did not eat anything
during the hours of daylight. From sunrise to sunset no food or
drink must pass their lips, they should be good and try and read
more Qur'an, and become better Muslims.
Fasting is difficult, especially when it is a hot day. It was on
such a hot day that Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) sat down to
rest. He had not eaten since it was dark, and the sun was now high
in the sky. He (SWS) wanted a few moments of peace.
Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) had only been sitting down for a
few moments when the peace was broken.
Someone was shouting loudly, just a little way down the street. A
woman was obviously very angry. Her voice was loud, and the angrier
she became the louder and shriller her shouting became.
Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) decided to investigate.
As he came closer, he saw one of the richest women in the town,
berating a servant for something he should have done, but had not.
She was furious! Her face was red, she was shaking her fist, and it
seemed as if she was fit to burst.
The servant was standing uncomfortably, his head bowed low, not
daring to move or reply. The woman was so busy with her anger that
at first she did not notice !! Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
was standing beside her!!.
Slowly she became aware that someone was standing beside her. She
turned, saw that it was the Prophet Muhammad (SWS), and calmed down
a little.
--"Why don't you go indoors, and have something to eat?"
The woman was shocked!. She did not know what to say. She always
kept the fast. She wondered if Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)
realised what he was saying. "But I always keep the fast," she
said. "I have not eaten anything today.."
The prophet spoke quietly. "If you were keeping the fast properly,"
he said, "you would be kind to others. You would be trying hard to
do Allah's will. Getting angry with your servant is as bad as eating
during the fast. You might as well go and eat."
Based on a hadith, teaching: One of the Pillars of Islam, fasting &
what breaks the fast, kindness, treatment of others, adab and
tarbiyyah.

May Allah, Ar-Rahman (SWT) Forgive your sins, over look your
mistakes, and Raise your status in this world and the Hereafter!
And May the Salaah and Salaam be upon our beloved Messenger (SA),
his Family, his Companions and those who follow them exactly in
faith and in worship! Allahumma Ameen!

So You Want To Help Black Muslims?

Since the departure of Imam Warith Deen Muhammad (may Allah be pleased with him), I have heard numerous cries in the greater Muslim community to "help" Black Muslims in America. The following is an open letter in response to, and in reflection on, these offers.

In the Black community we have a long history of brothers with sincere intentions to "help". However a common theme has emerged. Usually that help is always in the areas that matter little (in the grand scheme of things) such as teaching us the proper way to place our feet during salah, how to never stand up in the bathroom, and other minutae.

Inevitably these "helpers" become increasingly condescending in attitude, and overbearing in approach.

What our community needs right now, more than anything, are leaders from within, as opposed to "helpers" from without. But that's an internal matter, which will be solved soon, if Allah swt pleases.

I know full well the way that the statement sounds, however consider how much "need" Indo-Pakistanis, in India and Pakistan, would feel for an American (be they Black or White) to come teach them how to be Muslims.

In the Black community real life needs are all too often lacking, like food, clothing, shelter, and familial closeness. Until those needs are met, the vast majority of Black brothers and sisters will have very little time or energy to direct toward the perfection of tajweed, memorization of Quran, Ahadith, etc.

Of course there are those among us who can and do master these fields of endeavor, but such men and women are a vast minority. Diamonds in the rough.

The Islam which we need so badly in our community must have at its forefront the solutions to the everyday needs of life. Our Islam must give us practical steps to take us out of debt, away from riba, away from fornication, adultery, vulgarity, unhealthy foods, and unclean habits.

Our Islam must have the force to destroy 400+ years of programming and self-hate. Our Islam must be one which raises up the human being to the rightful postion Allah swt intends us to occupy, as Khalifas in the Earth, not one which reinforces blind submission to authority and an ingrained feeling of impotence and weakness.

I, being a Black Man, who understands fully the needs in our community, challenge my brothers and sisters in Islam from across the globe to help us as you would help your own family, not as you might help untrusted, and unrespected strangers.

If you are willing to truly "want for your brother what you want for yourselves" then I offer you the sincere opportuity to assist us in our rise to join the ranks of the righteous, the educated, and the prosperous.

If however, you are simply willing to offer us more classes on tajweed, more advice on how to use the toilet, and more criticisms of our pronunciation of "As Salaam Alaikum", then, on behalf of our community, I repectfully decline your help.


wa Allahu Alim (And Allah Knows Best)
Sincerely,

Zeaun Zarrieff

Zeaun Zarrieff is an IT Professional by trade, a Black Man by birth, and a Muslim by divine will.
Zeaun resides in the Chicagoland area of Northern Illinois and is a regular contributor to several blogs and speaking venues

Social work - The Missing Catalyst

Editorial, Islamic Voice, September 2008

Social workers play the role of catalyst in a society. They connect the needy with the philanthropists, poor with the resourceful, illiterate with the educated ones, sick with healers, unaware with the informed, unskilled with the trainers. Their voluntary spirit and selfless zeal levels off the socio-economic inequities and inequalities. They find the balm for the social wounds, solace for the restless souls, wipe the tears off the eyes of the deprived, drive away the despondency and herald the hope.

Societies with social workers are societies with hope, though not without inequalities. Social worker fills the gap between the high and the low, privileged and the unprivileged. All nations and communities that have cared to train social workers, rewarded the voluntary spirit and recognized sacrifice, reap the rich harvest of happiness and satisfaction.

Muslims in India have not adequately nurtured social workers. Few have made a mark in the field. Even the term ¡social work¢ is interpreted in narrow terms with limited scope. Helping the needy, doling out charities to beggars, visiting the ailing, organizing the circumcision camps (sunnat e Ibrahimi) for the kids, helping out the Hajj pilgrims is all that constitutes the social work.

But in the larger world we live today, social work has assumed wider scope. Indeed, all members of the society require some kind of succour, counseling, words of compassion, a healing touch at some point of time in their lives. With human knowledge, necessities and realm of human activity having expanded, the citizens always look for guidance and solace from some quarters, notwithstanding their social level and economic strata.

Contemporary social worker has to grapple with multifarious social problems and issues and has to tackle them at several levels, from spreading awareness to mitigation to elimination of maladies even while developing legal framework to abolish and executive apparatus to eradicate certain vices. He has to change with the times and be aware of the modern social norms in order to be in sync with the urges of the times.

As HIV-Aids spreads its tentacles, dowry deaths keep spiraling, drop-out from schools mount, aged and sick are left uncared, marital woes drive women to despondency, kids get abandoned, single-parent home abound, environment is drained off its vitality, farms lose their fertility, fisheries collapse, calamities render millions homeless, juvenile delinquency rises, red light areas thrive, widows find no shelter and ageing spinsters have no takers, the frontiers of social work are limitlessly expanding. Besides, the physically disabled and persons with inadequate sensory faculties (viz, the blind, deaf and dumb, mentally retarded etc) add a vast realm to the existing problems. As societies grow complex, problems and issues too develop complexity. Simplistic solutions do not work. They need a whole paraphernalia for grassroots activism and advocacy.

Organised social work is conspicuous by its absence in the Muslim society. Problems only fester if they are ignored. In a plural society, the moral fabric of the society is not amenable to religious solutions. Paradigm shift is inevitable. Prostitution will not go away by pleading for modest behaviour. Nor delinquency will vanish by advocating deterrent punishments. Nor even interest-free mantra can drive away poverty and indebtedness. Problems are rooted in socio-economic context and deeper study and innovative ways have to be found to combat the evils. Advancement in social sciences have even brought about sea change in key concepts like justice and equality. While Islamist theologians would look at justice from merely punitive angle, its rehabilitative, reformative and compensatory facets have remained totally unknown in the community. Similarly, equality and equity are no longer held identical. Much thought has been invested by modern day social and
political scientists in developing new frameworks for transformation of societies.

The Government too looks at the voluntary organization (or what is called NGOs in modern day parlance) to reach to the grassroots of the people and disburse funds and create awareness regarding various social maladies and remedial measures. This only brings to focus the need to set up credible organization which could bring about change with full transparency and accountability.

The community needs to rise to the occasion and rope its youth into social work. Unless a sizeable body of social workers comes into existence, the community would remain a picture of misery, neglect, apathy, pity, and backwardness.

Seeking the Inner Muslim

Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick

Surely all Praises are due to Allah, we praise Him, seek His assistance, and
ask His forgiveness. And we seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves
and the wickedness of our deeds. Verily whomever Allah guides there is none
to take him astray; and whomever Allah allows to stray, there is none to
guide. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He
is one and has no partners; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant
and last Messenger. May Allah send His choicest blessing and Peace to
Muhammad, his companions, family and all those who call to his way and
establish the Sunnah till the Day of Judgment. As to what follows:

Muslims are finding themselves under great pressure today. From all sides,
and in various forms, subtle and blatant, attacks are being launched against
Muslim individuals, families and communities. Pressure is being applied to
our eyes with the scanty summer fashions and rash of indecency on the
television and in the movies. In Canada, women have been given the legal
right to walk around topless in public places. Already, women can be seen
mowing their lawns, sunbathing, or strolling down the street without any
blouse, bra or shirt. Pressure is being applied to our ears by the constant
swearing, backbiting, and scandal that we are confronted with daily.
Pressure is being applied to our hands by the unavailability of jobs or
loans and the growing availability of interest, mortgages, and gambling.
Attacks in the media against Islam are on the increase. Muslims are blamed
for slavery, wife assault, terrorism, female circumcision, ignorance and
animosity to civilization. Recently, the Yahud in Israel have drawn pictures
of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a pig and posted them on Muslim homes and
businesses.

Many Believers feel that their back is against the wall and the whole earth
is closing in on them. They do not see any escape or relief in the next dew
decades. A1lah tells us in the Blessed Qur'an: "And whoever keeps his duty
to Allah, Allah will make a way out for him and provide for him from where
he knows not. And whoever depends on Allah, Allah is sufficient for him.
Surely Allah will achieve His purpose. He has made a limit for all things. "
(65:3)

Even the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself, who was the best of humanity, and
his Companions, who were the best generation, were severely tested. For
thirteen long years, the Muslims were tortured in Makkah, driven out of
their homes and even killed. They were afflicted with diseases and
malnutrition. One day, the Prophet (pbuh) was passing the family of Yassir
(ra) who were known for their piety and their submission to the will of
Allah. They were being savagely beaten and tortured. Allah had not given the
Muslims the right to fight back, so the Prophet could only ease their burden
by revealing to them a special part of His mercy. The Prophet said:
"Patience, family of Yassir, your promised abode is Paradise."

The pain and suffering of the Makkan period forged a tight relationship
between the Muslims and purified their relationship with Allah. If a person
had accepted Islam for fame, glory, wealth or position, he would soon turn
back on his heels. Arrogance, pride, envy and racism were eliminated and the
Muslims came to see each other as being closer and more important than their
own families. We should remember their struggle as we endure today's trails
and tribulations.

Muslims throughout the planet are in a state of siege. Some find themselves
in a hot war where the fire of the military is all around them. Others find
themselves in a war of ideas where the bullets are propaganda and insults.
Sometimes the effects of psychological warfare are more devastating than
military warfare for they can last for more than a generation.

In the wake of this crisis, people are making critical choices about Islam.
Many are choosing to accept Islam, for despite the negative attacks, they
realize that Islam is the only way out of the present corruption and
tyranny. Islam is the only organized way of life that can categorically
oppose homosexuality, racism and secularism. Only the Qur'an and Sunnah have
cohesive arguments and a moral system that can be applied in conjunction
with science, politics, business and every day life. Other people are asking
themselves, "Should I practice Islam completely or should I continue being
Muslim in name or by culture?" They see Islamic practice in today's society
as swimming against a tidal wave. So they justify selling pork, liquor,
gambling tickets or committing adultery as part of modern life. They fail to
recognize that "Harem" is for everybody and for all times.

How do we bring about change in our conditions and enable those who are
undecided about practicing Islam to see the light of Allah's guidance. The
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was reported to have said, "Islam began as a
stranger and will return to being a stranger so glad tidings (or a certain
huge tree in Paradise) is for those who are strange. They asked, "O
Messenger of Allah" Who are the strangers?" He replied, "Those who rectify
(themselves and others) when the people are corrupt." (Al-Tabarani: Sahih)

Muslims who have been blessed to revert to Islam or to practice Islam in the
full sense have a great responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was
"Uswatun Hasanah" (a fine example) of the practical application of Islam. He
not only talked about Islam but he lived it in all spheres of his life. In
order for us to make this critical change, we need to re-analyze our Islamic
theory and practice. Great emphasis has been placed upon "ibadat" or the
ritual aspects of Islam. Now we need to focus on Muamalat or inter-personal
relationships. How many times do we hear about a Muslim who prays and fasts
but he is untrustworthy, or a Muslim who wears Islamic clothing yet cheats
in business! We need to look at the "Inner Muslim" and bring this
personality to the surface.

In Islamic history there were many illustrious scholars who searched for the
inner aspects of Islam yet were also versed in Shari'ah. With so much
falsehood being presented today as scholarship, it is important for us to
find those scholars who were balanced and respected by all. Imam Yahya ibn
Sharaf ibn Murri ibn Hasan an-Nawawi was in this category. He was born in
the village of Nawa in 1233 CE and in his early years rose to be a
recognized scholar for his knowledge of Hadith and his piety. He recognized
that the Prophet (pbuh) was visited by the Angel Jibril and asked about
Islam and Iman. He was also questioned about Ihsan (righteousness). The
Prophet's response was that "Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you see Him
and if you cannot do this, then worship Him as though He sees you." So
Jibril asked about the inner Muslim, the conscience or the essence of the
person. Muslims today need to look into themselves and find that inner
person. We need to ask ourselves, "Why do we pray, fast, give Zakat or go to
Hajj? Are they done for Allah or for the people's attention and pleasure?"

Imam An-Nawawi laid down five principles for Ihsan which we need to study
and implement into our lives. He also gave us an action plan as to how to
attain them.

1. Fearing Allah in the secret and the open. This is attained through
scrupulousness and being upright. The Prophet (pbuh) once said to one of his
companions, "Say, I believe in Allah, and then be upright." We need to
constantly look at ourselves and examine our intentions for doing what we
do.

2. Living according to the Sunnah in word and deed. This state can be
attained through caution and good character. Remember that the Prophet has
informed us, "Haste is from the Shaitan." Putting Islam into our character
will force us to implement the guidance instead of just spouting it from our
mouths.

3. Indifference to whether others accept or reject us. This state can be
attained through patience and entrusting our affairs with Allah. We need to
stop looking around us and being afraid of whether society accepts us or
whether people will be angry at our Islam. If we are right with Allah, then
there is nothing to fear!

4. Satisfaction with Allah, the Most High, in scarcity and plenty. This
state can be attained through contentment with what one has and submission
to the Will of Allah.

5. Turning to Allah in happiness and affliction. This state can be attained
through having gratitude to Allah in happiness and taking refuge in Him in
affection.

May Allah give us the benefit of the scholarship and striving of this humble
yet profound thinker and may Allah help us to embody the words and warnings
of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who left us in an authentic hadith reported
in Al-Tirmidhi: "Two characteristics are not found together in a hypocrite:
good manners and understanding of religion (fiqh fi-Din)."

May Allah protect the weak and oppressed of the Ummah of Muhammad (pbuh) and
give us the strength to be shining examples of this clear way of life.
Surely Allah is the Off-forgiving and He has power over all affairs.

____________

"Indeed, there is a station higher than [both sabr and] ridâ, and that is to
show shukr (gratitude) to Allâh for the affliction, since this is the cause
of receiving excellence and bounties." [40]

- Shaykhul-Islâm Ibn Taymiyyah

"Call your souls to account before you are called to account and weigh your
deeds before you are weighed; for it will make the accountability easier for
you tomorrow if you call your selves to account today"
Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab RadiAllahu'anhu

Are You Really Fasting?

Abu Hurayrah (RA) relates that Rasulullah (p.b.u.h.) said,'' Many
are the one's who fast, attain nothing by such fasting except for
hunger, and many are the one's performing Salaah by night attaining
nothing by it, except for the discomfort of staying awake at
night''. (Reported by Ibn Majah and Nasa-iy)

Abu Ubaidah (R.A.) reports,'' Fasting is a protective covering for a
man, as long as he does not tear that protection''. (Reported by
Nasa-iy,ibn Majah and ibn khuzayamah)

The Mashaaikh have mentioned six things about which care should be
taken in fasting.
1.) Firstly, one should keep the eyes away from place where one is
not supposed to look. They even go so far as to prohibit looking at
ones own wife with desire. So how much more important is it to avoid
looking at another woman with desire. Similarly one should avoid
looking at any evil place or where evil is committed. Rasulullah
(p.b.u.h.) said,'' The evil eyes are an arrow of the Shaytaan.
Whosoever out of fear for Allah, prevents himself from looking at
evil, Allah shall grant him such faith, the sweetness and ecstasy of
which he will feel in heart''. The Sufis interpret the above saying
about scenes which one should avoid looking at including such places
and things which distract the mind from the remembrance of Allah.

2.) Secondly, guarding the tongue against telling lies, unnecessary
conversation, backbiting, arguments, swearing etc. In Bukhari we
read that fasting is a deterrent for the fasting person. For this
reason those who fast should avoid all non-sensible talk, joking,
arguments etc. Should anyone pick an argument, then say, ''I am
fasting". In other words, one should not start an argument and when
someone else starts it then too one should avoid it. When the one
who begins an argument is a reasonable person, and then say to him,
I am fasting. When the one who starts an argument is a foolish
person then one should remind one's self that, I am fasting and must
not respond to such meaningless things". One must particularly
abstain from backbiting and lies.

One of the Sahaba inquired from Rasulullah (p.b.u.h.) what is
backbiting. Rasulullah (p.b.u.h.) replied,'' To mention something
about your brother behind his back which he resents''. The Sahaba
then said, and is it still backbiting if that thing mentioned about
him really is in him? ""Our Nabi (p.b.u.h.) said, ''In that case (if
that which was mentioned is really true) it is definitely
backbiting. And if is guilty of it then you have slandered him"".

3.) Thirdly, according to the Sufis, what should be avoided is that
the ears should be kept away from listening to anything Makrooh. It
is Haraam to say or listen to anything which should not be said.
Rasulullah (p.b.u.h.) said that,'' in backbiting both the backbiter
and the listener are equal in sin"".

4.) Fourthly, the rest of the body should be kept away from sin and
evil. Neither should the hands touch it, nor the feet made to walk
towards it. Special care should be taken, especially at the time of
Iftaar. No such things should enter it, about which there is any
doubt as to its being Haraam or Halaal. When a person fasts, and at
Iftaar time breaks fast with Haraam food, he becomes just like a
sick person who takes medicine to cure him of the sickness but also
adds poison which destroys him.

5.) Fifthly, after having fasted it is not advisable to fill the
stomach completely even with Halaal food at Iftaar, because then,
the object of fasting is defeated. Whereas fasting helps to diminish
ones carnal desire, it also strengthens the angelic qualities of man
and increases the illumination of the soul. For eleven months we
have been eating and drinking. What harm is there if one eats less
for only one month. We have a bad habit of filling our bellies at
Iftaar for what was not eaten during the day and also at Sehri in
preparation for the day, thus increasing our average consumption.
Many such things are eaten which we normally do not eat at other
times. In fact, during Ramadhaan we develop this type of habit.

''Imam Ghazaali (r.a.) asks the same question, ""When the object of
fasting is to conquer the dictates of Ibless and our carnal
passions, then how can this possibly be done by eating excessively
at Iftaar and thus defeating the objects''? Actually in that case we
have only altered the time of eating and have not decreased our food
intake. Therefore after fasting full day we consume even more than
we do in normal times. The result is that instead of lessening the
carnal desire, these are considerably increased. The real benefit of
fasting comes as a result of actual hunger in the true sprit.

Another object that fasting gives us the chance of appreciating the
plight of the poor and destitute and thus engenders sympathetic
feelings towards them. This could only be attained by remaining
hungry. In Maraquil Falaah it is written, ''Do not eat excessively
at Sehri as the prosperous ones do, for this is the way to lose the
object of fasting"". ""Similarly a feeling of sympathy is developed
for the poor and hungry ones"". Our Nabi (p.b.u.h.) himself
said, ""Allah does not dislike the filling of anything to the brim
more than He dislikes the filling of the stomach"".

6.) The sixth point is that after fasting one should always have
fear and anxiety as to whether one's fast had been accepted or
rejected by Allah. This should be the case with all Ibaadah. One
never knows whether some such important things may have left out
about which no notice was taken. One should fear that Allah may
reject one's deeds. The fasting person must at all times safeguard
his Niyyah and at the same time fear for its adulteration. He should
also constantly make Dua' that Allah Ta' aala makes this a cause for
His pleasure. It should also be borne in the mind that regarding
yours act as not being worthy of acceptance is one aspect and your
hopes for the infinite grace and mercy of Allah Ta'aala is another
aspect.

(Compiled from Fazail-e-Ramazan)

May Allah help us in implementing what we write and read and to gain
maximum reward's from the month of Fasting.

Benefits of Dates

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet Muhammad
(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said: "if anyone
of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he
does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to break his fast by
eating some dates before offering Maghrib prayer, and if ripe dates
were not available, he used to substitute them with some dried
grapes. When they too were not available, he used to have a few sips
of water, according to some reports. Modern science has proved that
dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and
proteins, as well as important vitamins. Hence the great importance
attached to them by the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam).

Dates are also rich in natural fibres. Modern medicine has shown
that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also
surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents.
They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous,
manganese, copper and magnesium. In other words, one date is a
minimum of a balanced and healthy diet. Arabs usually combine dates
with milk and yogurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination
indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and
body. Dates and date palms have been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an 20
times, thus showing their importance. The Prophet likened a good
Muslim to the date palm, saying, "Among trees, there is a tree like
a Muslim. Its leaves do not fall."

Sayyidah Mariam(alaiyhas salaam) mother of Isa(alaiyhis salaam) had
dates as her food when she felt labour pains and during confinement.
They are definitely the "crown of sweets," and ideal food which is
easy to digest, and within half an hour of taking it, the tired body
regains a renewed vigour. The reason for this is that a shortage of
sugar in the blood is the main factor that makes people feel hungry
and not an empty stomach as is often assumed. When the body absorbs
the nutritional essence of a few dates, the feeling of hunger
becomes appeased. When one breaking the fast with dates takes some
other food afterwards, he cannot eat much. It would seem that
breaking the fast with dates then helps one avoid excessive eating.

Experiments have also shown that dates contain some stimulants that
strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of
pregnancy. This helps the dilation of the uterus at the time of
delivery on one hand and reduces the bleeding after delivery on the
other. Dieticians consider dates as the best food for women in
confinement and those who are breast-feeding. This is because dates
contain elements that assist in alleviating depression in mothers
and enriching the breast-milk with all the elements needed to make
the child healthy and resistant to disease. The Prophet (sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) has emphasized the importance of dates and their
effectiveness in the growth of the fetus. He has also recommended
they be given to women. Modern dietary institute now recommend dates
to be given to children suffering from a nervous nature or
hyperactivity. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has also
recommended dates as a medicine for heart troubles, according to
some reports. Modern science has also proved the effectiveness of
date, in preventing diseases of the respiratory system.

Sayyidah Ayisha, (R.A.) wife of Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi
wassallam), used to prescribe dates for those suffering from
giddiness. It is now well known that a fall in the level of the
sugar in the blood and low blood pressure are among the causes of
giddiness. She was also reported to have used dates combined with
cucumber to treat her over-slim condition! She said, "they've tried
to fatten me giving me everything. But I did not become fat. Then
they fattened me with cucumber and ripe dates and I gained!" Ayisha
was quite correct, as we now know that one kilogram of dates
contains nearly 3,000 calories which alone are sufficient to supply
the minimum daily requirements of an active man for one full day.

Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of
trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is
affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent
inability to perform its function with normal efficiency. As dates
are also rich in calcium, they help strengthen the bones. When the
calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with
rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.

Dates are also important in keeping up the health of eyes. It is
quite effective in guarding against night-blindness. In the early
years of Islam, dates served as food for Muslim warriors. They used
to carry them in special bags hung at their sides. They are the best
stimulant for muscles and so the best food for a warrior about to
engage in battle.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to combine dates
with bread sometimes. At other times he mixed ripe dates with
cucumber, or dates combined with ghee. He used to take all varieties
of dates, but he preferred the variety called Ajwah.

Beauty of ISLAM

There's no any word as

beautiful as ALLAH

No example person as

best as RASULULLAH

No lesson as beautiful

as ISLAM

No song as melodious

as AZAN

No charity as meaningful

as ZAKAAT

No encyclopedia as perfect

as AL-QUR'AN

No exercise as perferct

as SALAH

No diet as perfect

as FASTING

No journey as perfect

as HAJJ...

ISLAM IS EVER BEAUTIFUL,, BEST GUIDANCE AND PERFECT PACKAGE OF LIFE...

WE SHOULD MAKE TAWBA FOR SINS COMMITTED

After any sin committed, it is fard to make tawba (to repent and beg Allahu ta’ala for forgiveness). Whatsoever the sin, the tawba will be accepted. It is written in Kimya-i sa’adat: “A prayer of tawba that is done suitably with its conditions will certainly be accepted. We should not doubt if the tawba will be accepted. We should doubt if the tawba meets its conditions.”

Allahu ta’ala may avenge for any sin which has not been repented for. For, Allah’s wrath is hidden in sins. Allahu ta’ala is very very powerful, victorious over everybody, and He is vindictive. He may refuse eternally a liked slave of His who has been worshipping for a hundred thousand years for one single sin, nor does He fear anything. The Qur’an informs of this fact and communicates that the Devil [Satan], who had been obeying Him for two hundred thousand years, became eternally accursed because he was too arrogant to prostrate. A son of Hadrat Adam’s, His representative on the earth, was eternally expelled by Him because he killed a man.

Bal’am-i Baura, during the time of Hadrat Musa, knew the Ism-i a’zam. Every prayer of his would be accepted (by Allahu ta’ala). His knowledge and worshipping were in such a high degree that two thousand people would be present with him with their pens and ink pots in order to write what he said and benefit from his words. This Bal’am, showing a little inclination towards one haram of Allah’s, died without iman (faith). He became the subject of public talk which said, “Those who are like him are like dogs.”

Qarun was a relative of Hadrat Musa’s. Having been blessed with the benedictions of Hadrat Musa, and being taught the knowledge of chemistry by him, he had become so rich that only the keys of his treasuries would be carried by forty mules. Because he did not pay the zakat (alms giving), which was worth a few cents, he was made to go under the earth together with his entire property. Sa’laba, among the Sahaba [1], was very zahid (pious). He used to worship very much, so much so that he would not go out of the mosque. Because of one breach of promise he lost his chance to attain the grade of being Sahabi, and died without iman. Our Master, the Prophet, was commanded not to invoke any blessings on him. Allahu ta’ala has avenged upon many other people like these on account of one sin. Then each Believer should be very much afraid of committing sins. Upon committing one small sin he should repent, say istighfar (repentance) and beg for forgiveness.”
________________________________________
GLOSSARY
[1] Sahaba: if a Muslim has seen the Prophet, or talked to him, at least once when the Prophet was alive, he is called Sahabi. Plural form of Sahabi is Sahaba or As’hab. The word Sahaba-i kiram includes all those great people each of whom has seen the Prophet at least once. The lowest of the Sahaba is much higher than the highest of other Muslims. If a person has not seen the Prophet but has seen or talked to one of the Sahaba at least once, he is called Tabi’. Its plural form is Tabi’in. In other words, the Tabi’in are the successors of the Sahaba. If a person has not seen any of the Sahaba but has seen at least one of the Tabi’in, he is called Taba’i Tabi’in. The Sahaba, the Tabi’in and the Taba’i tabi’in altogether are called the Salaf-i salihin (the early savants).

BEING CIVILIZED REQUIRES JUSTICE

Allahu ta’ala has created men weak and needy. They need clothes, food, lodging, protection against their enemies, and many other things. A person cannot procure his needs by himself. His life is too short for this. Men have to cooperate and live together. One man gives an implement he has made to another, who in return gives him something else he needs. This need for cooperation is expressed as “Man has been created civilized.” Living in civilization, that is, in societies, requires justice. Everyone desires to get what he needs. This desire is called shahwa. He becomes indignant with anyone who takes his advantages away. Quarrels, cruelties and torture between them ensue. Society disintegrates.

To regulate all kinds of business transactions and to establish justice in a society, many principles have to be known, each of which becomes a law. They must be made known in the most equitable manner. If men cannot come to a mutual agreement in preparing them, chaos starts again. Therefore, they must be prepared by One who is equitable and above mankind. In order for his decisions to be accepted, He has to be powerful, and it must be understood that the decisions come from Him. Mu’jizas (miracles) are the means by which this is proven. Those who run after their own pleasures and shahwa and behave arrogantly do not like the rules of Islam. They do not want to obey these rules. They violate others’ rights and commit sins. By declaring that those who obey Islam shall be given thawab (reward) and those who do not obey them shall be tormented, the system of Islam becomes stronger. Therefore, the One who has ordained these rules and who will inflict the punishment must be known. For this end, worship (’ibada) has been commanded.

MCB Rejects Hazel Blears' Baseless Accusations About Attacking Jewish Communities

26 March 2009

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) terms the new accusations of the Community Secretary Hazel Blears as outrageous. In a letter published today in the Guardian (Our questions to the MCB leadership, 26 March 2009), she makes the extraordinary claim that Dr Daud Abdullah, the Deputy Secretary-General of the MCB, signed a document in Istanbul that 'advocates attacks on Jewish communities all around the world'.

"This is an incredible claim which we utterly reject. All of the MCB's office bearers without exception stand resolutely against all forms of indiscriminate violence. We are completely opposed to all forms of prejudice including Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We would expect someone in Ms Blears' position to be working towards increasing understanding and goodwill between communities and to act responsibly and fairly," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

[Ends]

The Muslim Council of Britain is an umbrella body of some 500 mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact:

The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk

British Muslims to Hold Public Meeting to Discuss Government Interference

25.03.2009

The Muslim Council of Britain is to hold a public meeting of representatives of British Muslim organisations this Saturday 28th March 2009 (11 AM -2:00 PM) at the Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque (Regents Park), London to discuss the attempts led by the some Government Ministers to try and undermine the independence of the Muslim Council of Britain, the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body.

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received from concerned Muslims and non-Muslims following the action taken by action taken by Communities and Local Government Secretary of State Hazel Blears MP. It is important to uphold the principle of governmental non-interference in voluntary community organisations. This meeting will provide an opportunity for British Muslims to make their views known in a clear manner and to also comment on the government's new CONTEST 2 strategy," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

Representatives from a wide range of Muslim organisations including those who are not affiliated with the MCB are expected to attend the meeting.

[Ends]

The Muslim Council of Britain is an umbrella body of some 500 mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact:

The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk


Muslims Unite for Civil Liberties: Consultation Meeting Declares Contest 2 Counterproductive

23 March 2009

A meeting of over 200 prominent Muslim civic and religious leaders affirmed their commitment to equality and inclusiveness of the Muslim community in British society. The gathering met at Birminghams Central Mosque on Saturday 21st March and was attended by grass roots representatives from a cross section of Muslim opinion, tradition and thought from all over the United Kingdom.

Convened by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), this special consultation meeting was organised to discuss a number of serious and pressing issues and enabling the communities to share their views on the recent media reports of the Governments proposed anti-extremism strategy known as CONTEST 2.

Commending the MCB for its position and independence, the meeting reaffirmed its proven and enduring repudiation of extremism and terrorism. Drawing references from Islam, various religious leaders reminded Muslims that Islam is the religion of the middle way that rejects any form of extremism and that there is no incompatibility between being Muslim and being British.

However, the meeting voiced serious alarm that the government may be in danger of adopting misguided notions of extremism as dictated by xenophobic commentators who profit from creating a hostile atmosphere from which bigots of all shades can draw. A definition of extremism that would classify the overwhelming majority of loyal and law abiding British citizens as extremists would be of no value in our common fight against terrorism. The speakers also highlighted the abuse of current anti-terrorism legislation as it is so broad that anyone and everyone can be booked under the pretext of terrorism and therefore it has failed to focus on or tackle extremism.

Aware of its responsibilities, the meeting recognised that British Muslims have the same inherent and equal rights to hold and promote their beliefs as any other faith community. Muslims in Britain are rich in their diversity of theology, background and experience. Therefore, uninformed calls for an engineered reformation of Islam were totally rejected as un-British and counter productive.

[Ends]

The Muslim Council of Britain is an umbrella body of some 500 mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact the MCB:

The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk

Government shuns Muslim Council over link with Hamas

By Paul Bignell
Sunday, 22 March 2009

The Government has severed relations with the country's leading Muslim organisation, saying a senior member is a supporter of Hamas, the Palestinian military organisation.
A letter leaked to The Independent on Sunday shows that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, wrote to the Muslim Council of Britain, calling for Dr Daud Abdullah to resign.
She alleges he was one of 90 Muslim leaders from around the world who signed a public declaration of support for Hamas, the elected government of the Gaza strip in Israel, and military action against Israel.
A spokeswoman for the department said: "We are concerned that the statement calls for direct support for acts of violence in the Middle East and beyond. We are also aware that a senior member of the MCB may have been a signatory to this statement. If it is proven that the individual concerned had been a signatory, we would expect the MCB to ask him to resign and to confirm its opposition to acts of violent extremism."
Members of the Muslim community reacted angrily to the letter at a conference in Birmingham where they met yesterday to discuss the issue.
An MCB spokesperson said: "We will make clear to the Government that as far as the MCB is concerned we utterly condemn the targeting or killing of soldiers anywhere in the world. But the MCB will not be dictated to by Hazel Blears. We do not take orders from Ms Blears. She is mistaken if she thinks the MCB will dismiss people at her say-so."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-shuns-muslim-council-over-link-with-hamas-1651323.html

MCB Calls for Consistency in New Anti-Terror Strategy

24 March 2009

The Muslim Council of Britain has made the following, initial response to the government's publication today of its revised CONTEST strategy.

"All of us have an important stake in ensuring that our country is properly safeguarded from those who want to launch indiscriminate attacks. As such, it is crucial that all of us - Muslim and non-Muslim - give the necessary help and support to those charged with responsibility of maintaining our security," said Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain.

At the same time the MCB urges the government to learn the necessary lessons from past strategies which have undermined the effort against violent extremism. The government's new strategy document rightly insists that the rule of law will be upheld at all times in the fight against terrorism. It also says that the new strategy will tackle the causes as well as symptoms of terrorism. However, earlier this year, for some reason the government could not bring itself to describe the barbaric Israeli bombardment of Gaza as actions constituting a war crime.

The government must be more consistent if we are to successfully counter the terror threat," added Dr Bari.

At the last public consultation meeting organised by the MCB last week (21 March 2009, Birmingham) which was attended by a large number of Islamic scholars and leaders of many Muslim organisations including some that are not affiliated to the MCB, there was unequivocal and unanimous commitment to fighting violent extremism and terrorism. At the same time there was widespread concern that the laws and policies on fighting the scourge of terrorism have had an adverse impact on the lives of many innocent Muslims.

[Ends]

The Muslim Council of Britain is an umbrella body of some 500 mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact:

The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk



Put People First Rally - Muslims Join Fellow Britons in Their Fight for Jobs, the Climate and A New Economy

27th March 2009

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and its affiliated bodies will be sending their members to join fellow citizens in this important rally prior to the G20 Summit in London. They have responded to calls made by the Muslim Council of Britain to engage with civil society and seek social justice and equity on local, national and international levels. The G20 represents an attempt to create more stakeholders in the global economic architecture, noted Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, MCB Secretary General.

As Prime Minister Gordon Brown observed, the Washington Consensus, designed to push the burden of adjustment disproportionately on developing countries, is no longer tenable. A new global order with a wider range of stakeholders is the only way to create the global response to overcome the crisis by flawed financial capitalism. The MCB welcomes this sentiment and believes this will lead to greater equity at a global level. It wants to participate fully in civil society efforts to ensure that the G20 Summit stays on course and does not get diverted to other agendas or mere window dressing, he added.

[ENDS]

Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with around 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.

Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email: media@mcb.org.uk.

Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Office at The Muslim Council of Britain, PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ. Tel: 0845 26 26 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079

This press release and other MCB publications and information are available on the MCB website at www.mcb.org.uk

Friday, March 20, 2009

"GOOD BYE"

When the time has come
You've got to be strong.
You got to live on.
See that distant light?
It's shining so bright.
It will show you the way.

'Coz the world is for you my dear.
You can make it I know you will.

After saying goodbye,
Please don't ask me why.
When the love is gone,
True hearts are broken.
How can I help it?
My love's still alive.

As the day goes by
And the night closing in,
I can get no sleep,
I walk alone in the street.
I'm back on my feet,
It's breaking my heart
I feel the hearache.

"DREAMS"

When you get tired of the world
And how it seems

Just slip away into your dreams
Where no one is real
All in your mind in dream as will feel

This is the place where your fantasies come true
And the main charecter is always you

So when you fall fast asleep
Remember that when you close your eyes

You're entering in a world of nothing
but..
LIES!

MAN LAWS

We always hear "the rules" from the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side....

These are our rules! Please note... these are all numbered "1" On Purpose!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria 's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing is wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere in a hurry, absolutely anything you wear is fine. REALLY!

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight. But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can - to give them a bigger laugh!

DID YOU EVER

Did you ever imagine how the wind blow
How the flower's bloom
And how the rainbow got it's hue?

Did you ever think how the sun shine
And why the moon is bright.
Do you even wonder how the bird was made
And how the earth was made?

Did you ever think the importance of the raindrops
And the spark of shining stars above that brights

Why the water falls, fall
And why volcanoe's explodes with lava

Did you ever thank God for creating you and the whole universe
Did you ever thank God for giving us this world full of wonders

Did you ever try to asked yourself
who comes first between the chicken and the egg
Did you ever plant a seed here in our earth

Did you ever love living things - God's creation indeed!
Do you pause to hear the chirping of the bird
Have you gave importance to the air you breathe
Did you ever thank God for the food you eat

Did you ever thank God for your whole-being
Did you ever thank him for giving you a friend
Did you ever thank him for the water you drink
Did you ever thank him for the creations he made

Did you ever think why fish lives only to water
Did you adore butterflies flying in the meadow
Did you ever imagine to live without the air
Did you ever think what to drink when the water won't flow
Did you?
If so..
Take Care of our mother nature!

did you....?

British Muslims Mourn passing of Bashir Ahmad, the First Muslim Member of the Scottish Parliament

7 February 2009
The Muslim Council of Britain today joins British Muslims as they mourn the passing of Bashir Ahmad, Inna lillahi wa innaa ilaihi rajiun, from God we have come and to Him we return.

Affectionately known as 'Uncle Bashir', Mr Ahmad laid the foundations for the next generation of Scottish Muslims to play their part in the democratic process. Having arrived in the United Kingdom at the age of 21, he quickly became a Scottish success story, as an entrepreneur, hotelier, and restaurateur. This was coupled by his commitment to his civic duty, serving five terms as president of the Pakistan Welfare Association. He was elected councillor of Pollokshields East, Glasgow in 2003, and became the first Muslim member of the Scottish Parliament in 2007. His civic spirit, his dignity and his determination to work with all people won him respect and admiration across the political spectrum.

Leading the tributes from the MCB, Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said "Bashir Ahmad demonstrated the possibility and the need for British Muslims to be civic champions serving the people around him for the common good. Those who knew Mr. Ahmad speak fondly of his charismatic personality and how honoured he was to serve the people of Glasgow. The despondent reaction from across the political spectrum only serves as a reminder as to his standing in the community and politics as a whole. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered for his historic achievements.

[End]


For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk

JUSTICE

During Hadrat [1] Umar’s (radiy-Allahu ’anh) caliphate, Sa’d ibn Abu Waqqas (radiy Allahu ’anh), the commander of the eastern front, wanted to have a villa built in Kufa city. He had to buy a magian’s house which was next to his parcel. The magian did not want to sell his house. The magian went home and conferred with his wife who said: ‘They have the ‘Amir-ul-Mu’minin in Medina. Go to him and lodge a complaint with him.’ He went to Medina and asked about the Caliph’s palace. The people he asked answered that the Caliph did not have a palace or a villa and that he had gone outside the city. So he, too, left the city to look for him. There were no soldiers or guards around. He saw someone sleeping on the ground. He asked the man if he had seen the Caliph Umar. In fact, the man he asked was the Caliph Umar himself (radiy-Allahu ’anh). He asked the magian why he was looking for the Caliph Umar. The man answered: ‘His commander coerces me to sell him my house. I came here to lodge a complaint against him.’ Hadrat Umar (radiy-Allahu ’anh) went to his home, taking the magian along with him. He asked for some paper, but they could not find any paper in the house. He saw a shoulder blade and asked for it. He wrote as follows on the bone: ‘Bismillahirrahmanirrahim Lo, Sa’d! Do not hurt this magian’s heart! Otherwise, come to me at once.’ The magian took the bone and went back home. He said: ‘I went to all this lot of trouble for nothing. If I give this piece of bone to the commander he’ll think he is being teased and will become very angry.’ But when his wife insisted, he went to Sa’d. Sa’d was sitting and chatting cheerfully with his soldiers. No sooner had he caught sight of the handwriting on the bone in the magian’s hand, who was standing at some distance, than he turned pale, for he had recognized the Emir-ul-mu’minin Umar’s (radiy-Allahu ’anh) handwriting. The abrupt change surprised everybody. Sa’d (radiy-Allahu ’anh) approached the magian and said: ‘I’ll do whatever you want me to. But, please don’t do anything that will make me look guilty in Umar’s (radiy-Allahu ’anh) presence, for I cannot endure the punishment inflicted by him.’ Seeing the commander begging surprised the magian to the degree of madness. When he regained his senses, he immediately became a Muslim. When others asked him how he had become a Muslim, his answer was: ‘I saw their Amir (chief) sleeping on the soil with a patched coat. I saw how his commanders trembled with fear of him. I, therefore, came to the conclusion that they were in the right religion. Such justice for a fire worshipper like me could only have been done by believers of the right religion.’
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GLOSSARY
[1] Hadrat: title of respect used before the names of great people like and Islamic scholars.

Luton Protestors do not Speak for Muslims

11th March 2009

The MCB is appalled at media reports of the scenes at a homecoming parade for British soldiers in Luton on 10th March 2009. This small minority do not speak for Muslims but instead provide fodder for Islamophobes keen to drive a wedge between Britons.

Secretary General Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said, "Whilst we understand the deeply held and widespread opposition to the disastrous war in Iraq, the Muslim Council of Britain condemns any form of protest where individuals are harmed or threatened. The 'protestors' did not speak for the majority of people who opposed that war."

"British soldiers are simply carrying out orders on behalf of the government of the day. They have endured and sacrificed much, and we are glad they are back home", added Dr Abdul Bari.

[ENDS]

For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk

British Muslims Lobby for Foreign Investment to the UK at the World Islamic Economic Forum in Jakarta

12th March 2009

A twenty five strong delegation of professionals and entrepreneurs led by the Muslim Council of Britain attended the 5th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Jakarta, Indonesia from 1st to 4th March 2009.

The Muslim Council of Britains Business and Economic Committee has organised delegations to each World Islamic Economic Forum since its creation in 2004, which has in previous years been held in Malaysia, Pakistan and Kuwait. This years delegation included bankers, accountants, lawyers, academics, civil servants and business people.

One of the aims of the WIEF is to promote partnership between Muslim and non-Muslim business people by forging co-operation across borders among entrepreneurs in Muslim majority countries and those in other countries.

The theme of this years WIEF was Food and Energy Security and Stemming the Tide of the Global Financial Crisis.

The MCB Secretary-General, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari said:

"The theme of the recent WIEF highlights issues that are relevant to everyone, including the West. The delegations to the WIEF led by the MCB demonstrate our commitment to develop creative solutions and provide an alternative way of thinking.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, who led the delegation and is a member of the WIEFs International Advisory Panel, said:

The declaration of the 5th WIEF is very relevant given the current crises experienced throughout the world. The UK in particular has an important role in the furtherance of the declaration, which included the promotion of Islamic finance as a viable alternative to the conventional financial system and the balance between food production and consumption as well as energy usage.

Other themes explored at 5th WIEF included women entrepreneurs as the driving force towards a stronger future and youth leadership.

[ENDS]

1. The Muslim Council of Britain is an umbrella body of some 500 mosques, charities and schools.

2. For further information on WIEF and the 5th WIEF Summit visit www.wief.org.my.
For further information please contact the MCB:

The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk